1959-60 Charles O'Malley (No 7)

Charles O'Malley with his wife Bridget

Charles O'Malley (1880 - 1963), one of the  best known builders in Co Mayo, was born in Lecarrow, Clare Island, son of John and Honoria O'Malley. He was educated in Clare Island and served his apprenticeship with Walter Heneghan in Louisburgh, Charles married Bridget O'Grady from the Quay, Clare Island in 1912 and came to live on the North Mall, Westport. They had eight children - John, Patrick, Charles, Michael, Brian, Mai, Nan and Peggy. Fishing was his hoppy but building was his main passion in life, especially the construction of bridges. His abiding monument is the chapel on top of Croagh Patrick (2,510 feet), an heroic 1902 enterprise which involved hauling up building materials and food supplies and sleeping in tents on the summit. The December 2025 Newsletter has an account of this memorable project. Charles was one of the speakers at the first O'Malley Clan Rally in 1953 and was a leading member until his death in 1963.  He was elected Chieftain No 7 of the O'Malley Clan in 1959. and held his Rally in the Travellers Friend Hotel, Castlebar in 1960.